Dispersed camping near Monument Valley, Arizona takes place primarily on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management in southeastern Utah. Most sites sit between 4,500-6,300 feet elevation where temperature swings can exceed 30°F between day and night. The clay soil throughout the region becomes extremely slippery when wet, transforming drivable surfaces into impassable hazards within minutes of rainfall.
What to do
Climb Mexican Hat Rock: Access the distinctive sombrero-shaped formation near the dispersed camping areas. "Mexican Hat is free dispersed camping on BLM land outside of the town of Mexican Hat Utah. There are sites available for RVs, tents, vans, etc. This is desert dispersed camping so there are NO amenities, however there are occasional camper made fire pits," explains Leah W. from Dispersed Mexican Hat Camping.
Photograph sunrise at Comb Ridge: The 800-foot sandstone monocline creates dramatic lighting conditions at dawn. "Comb Ridge is incredible, read about it! This spot was awesome. Somewhat far away from amenities-Blanding is about 25 minutes away," notes Casawndra P. from Comb Wash Dispersed Camping Area.
Explore ancestral Puebloan ruins: Several archeological sites dot the region. "This is one of the greatest concentrations of smaller Ancestral Puebloan villages, so there are a life time of ruins to explore. Researching ahead of time will pay off, but both the BLM station by the Kane Gulch trailhead and the Natural Bridges National Monument visitor center have maps, guidebooks, and advice," suggests Jeff V. from Valley of the Gods Dispersed Camping.
What campers like
Unobstructed night skies: The lack of light pollution makes stargazing exceptional. "During my 2 am pee, the milky way was out of control! This area is named for the geological feature that is the name-sake for the town, the Mexican Hat, an obvious toadstool like sandstone formation," shares Leah W.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Various desert species frequent the camping areas. "One of the best dispersed sites we've camped in. Camped right under the Mexican Hat next to the San Juan River. Nearest neighbor was 1/4 mile away. Spectacular scenery, hikes, wildlife. Hummingbirds galore. Mule deer, coyotes," reports Ariel & John W.
River access spots: Several dispersed sites border the San Juan River. "We were chased out of Valley of the Gods by a massive dust storm and came here, finding a nice spot along the San Juan River and right below the hat. Simple, no amenities dispersed camping but the road was in reasonably good shape, even after a light rain," notes Marc H. from BLM Dispersed on San Juan River.
What you should know
Road conditions vary seasonally: Many access routes become hazardous when wet. "The main road has been improved with a rock cap so less of an issue if area gets wet," explains Greg L. about Valley of the Gods Road Dispersed.
Site privacy varies significantly: Some locations offer isolation while others don't. "When we arrived it was howling wind and blowing sand. We worried the side of our van would be nothing but primer in the morning. Fortunately by the morning it was sunny and calm with stunning vistas. The area is exposed with few secluded opportunities," cautions Felix S.
Land ownership confusion: Some areas have complicated jurisdictions. "Private land not blm...but does not seem to be posted no trespassing so?" questions Greg L. about Mexican Hat camping areas.
Fee structures changing: Historically free areas may now charge. "Awesome place but it's now $18p/n plus taxes and fees," advises Jacob B.
Tips for camping with families
Shade consideration: Few natural shade options exist in most areas. "Bring shade as there are no trees except for a couple of spots by dry river beds. The trees do bring birds with them... Amazing views and no light pollution or sound at night," advises Jason T. from Valley of the Gods Road Dispersed.
Morning activities: Plan active exploration before midday heat. "When we arrived around 3 p.m. on a Tuesday, half of the spots were taken. The road wasn't too bad," reports Slava V.
Weather planning: Monitor forecasts carefully for wind and rain events. "We had a great night in August, we got there around 7PM to avoid the heat of the day. Lots of spots and saw very few people, with only a couple groups driving by. The evening was pleasant and the temps got into the mid 50's," shares Brian P. from Valley of the Gods.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Not all dispersed areas accommodate big rigs. "We found a spot close to the main road and didn't have a problem in our 26ft class c. Further back you'll find more sites, but you'll have to cross a wash and the sites will likely need a 4wd & high clearance vehicle," advises Laura M.
Level parking challenges: Many sites require careful positioning. "Easy to get to, not very level. No hook ups but great boondocking spot," notes Trey S. about Dispersed Mexican Hat Camping.
Road access assessment: Scout ahead for trouble spots. "Road entrance only with high clearance vehicles- for our expedition truck the road further down was narrow and very rocky but doable. At the end there is space to turn and a level place to park," explains Alfred H. from Butler Wash Dispersed - Bears Ears.
